22nd Annual Mullet Tossing Championship gearing up

March 9, 2013

The 22nd annual Mullet Tossing Championship will take place at Matlacha Community Park for competitors of all ages who want to try a hand at throwing a mullet the farthest distance next weekend.

The Matlacha Mariners event will be held Saturday, March 23, from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration begins at 10 a.m. the day of the event. It is $5 per toss for adults and $2 per toss for children.

The children's competitions run from 10:30 a.m. until noon, which includes the groups fry mullet, 1- to 5-year-olds; fingerling mullet, 6- to 10-year-olds and juvenile mullet, 11- to 15-year-olds. The competition is open to both girls and boys.

"Come early and watch the kids throw," Williams said. "It's a real hoot."

The adult competition will run from 12:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and includes the groups adult mullet, 16- to 60-year-olds and grey mullet, 61 years old and older. The competition is open to both men and women.

Fact Box

If You Go

What: 22nd Annual

Mullet Tossing Championship

Organizers: Matlacha Mariners

When: Saturday, March 23,

from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Where: Matlacha Community Park, 4577 Pine Island Road, N.W.

Registration time and fee:

10 a.m.; $5 per toss for adults and $2 per toss for kids 15 years old and younger

Children's competition:

10:30 a.m. until noon

Adult competition: 12:15-4:30 p.m.

Information: www.MatlachaMariners.org

Prizes, trophies and plaques will be given to the winners.

There will be free parking and free admission for the event.

The event also will have hamburgers, hot dogs, peel-and-eat shrimp from the Olde Fish House Marina and smoked mullet. Williams said they also will have beer, wine, soda and water for sale.

There are no pets, carry-in coolers or outside beverages allowed at the event.

Matlacha Community Park is at 4577 Pine Island Road, N.W.

For more information call Rick Williams at 239-898-5004.

Vendors interested in participating in the event can call Frank Harrison at 239-777-9399.

Money raised will benefit one of the many charities the Matlacha Mariners support.